The WBA has confirmed that a 12-pound rehydration clause will probably be in effect for World Boxing Association ‘regular’ lightweight champion Grevonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs. Frank Martin on June fifteenth.
It’s unclear why the WBA’s latest rule doesn’t include a 10-lb rehydration clause just like the one the IBF uses, which might make more sense.
WBA president Gilberto Mendoza told Chris Mannix on X that his organization made the choice to have a 12-round rehydration clause for the Davis-Martin fight “based on recent events.” Nonetheless, Mendoza didn’t say if the Latest rule can be in play for all WBA fights sanctioned by the organization.
The Latest WBA rule caught Tank Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) by surprise because he didn’t learn about it until yesterday. Fans on social media are calling it the ‘Tank rule,’ believing he’s behind it to be sure that his opponents are drained enough for him to win.
Tank also has to abide by the 12-pound rehydration rule, so it’s not prefer it’s something that only applies to his opponents.
Confusion and Inconsistency
Mannix states that there’s also confusion in regards to the latest rule, as other champions, like WBA featherweight champ Raymond Ford, haven’t been told in regards to the rehydration rule. Ford’s title defense is next month on June 1st against Nick Ball.
If the WBA goes to make use of the rehydration clause for all fights, it needs to start out notifying the champions. This rule can’t just apply to Tank Davis’ fight because that wouldn’t make sense.
Some fighters who’re considered weight bullies won’t be joyful in regards to the WBA’s latest 12-pound rehydration clause because they’ll must withhold fluids until the morning of their fights.
Call for Uniformity and Stricter Monitoring
After all, that won’t stop them from rapidly rehydrating in the event that they have ‘special tricks’ to infuse the fluids into their system. But fighters who don’t turn to illegal measures to rehydrate will probably be forced to maneuver to weight classes designed for his or her frames or goal the WBC or WBO titles, which don’t have rehydration clauses yet.
If the game goes to be conducted fairly, the rehydration clauses have to involve all 4 sanctioning bodies, be not more than 10 lbs, and there must be a approach to monitor fighters to stop them from using IVs to rehydrate.
If the secondary weight check were within the evening on the night of the fight, it will make it tougher for unscrupulous fighters to show to IVs to rehydrate rapidly, putting on 20+ lbs or whatever weight they are available at.
I didn’t learn about this shit until just now well yesterday once I got out of the gym (on twitter) but I’m obviously I even have to abide by it too..but why everybody made we’ve got to weigh in the identical weight and are available the fight at the identical weight? wtf is the issue??? https://t.co/gPCtVTxVxm
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) May 16, 2024
